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Myoporumis an Australian genus of family Myoporaceae widely cultivated in Libya as an ornamental plant. The hydrodistilled essential oil of fresh LibyanMyoporum acuminatumR. Br fruits (1.2%) was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty nine constituents were identified. The oil was characterized by high content of oxygenated compounds (60.83%) mainly sesquiterpenes. The major monoterpenoids were D-limonene (34.10%) and (-) carvone (11.76%) while negaione (20.5%) and myomontanone (8.5%) were major furanoid sesquiterpenes. The antimicrobial screening showed that essential oil of this plant has promising antimicrobial activity against a number of tested microorganisms: Gram positive bacteria:Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillis subtilis, Gram negative bacteria asEscherichia coliand certain fungi namedGeotricum candidum,Aspergillus fumigates,Syncephalastrum racemosum [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Myoporum semotum is described as a new species from the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, where it is known from Pitt Island, and the neighbouring South East, Rabbit, Mangere and Little Mangere islands. Notably, it is absent from Chatham Island where only Myoporum laetum occurs. Myoporum semotum is a coastal species occurring mostly in forest habitats but also in wind-shorn coastal shrubland. This new species is distinguished from M. laetum by its smoother bark, usually wider leaves, the leaf secretory cavities being obscure, smaller and dense, the midrib, petioles and branchlets being smooth and lacking prominent protruding tubercules, and in having slightly larger flowers. The conservation status of M. semotum is assessed as Nationally Vulnerable as it is currently known from between 1000 and 5000 mature plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sesquiterpene glucoside (1), two new norsesquiterpenes (2, 3), and a new homomonoterpene (4), named myobontioids A-D respectively, along with twelve known flavonoids and lignans (5–16) were isolated from Myoporum bontioides A. Gray. Flavanones 5-11 specifically inhibited Phytophthora capsici and Magnaoeporthe grisea at the concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 µg.mL−1. Notably, the new compound 4 possessed a strong activity against Phytophthora capsici with IC50 below 63.5 µg.mL−1 and 90.4% inhibition at 125 µg.mL−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent phylogenetic studies have challenged the traditional classification of the subtribe Cynoglossinae, which was based on nutlet characteristics. To investigate the evolution of fruit traits related to dispersal modes in this complex group, we conducted a study using scanning electron microscopy to examine 28 taxa representing all previously recognized lineages of the subtribe. Cynoglossinae displays four main types of nutlets: marginate, emarginate, flat wing, and incurved wing. Our findings reveal the arrangement of glochids and their structure, including the number of apical hooks, and their surface ornamentation is highly variable both across and within these four main types. We reconstructed the phylogenetic tree with four main clades (i.e., Clades I–IV) using Maximum likelihood analysis. In addition, we mapped four nutlet traits (i.e., nutlet margin, nutlet glochid, glochid sculpture, and glochid hooks) associated with different dispersal modes using ancestral state reconstruction analysis. The ancestor of subtribe Cynoglossinae was inferred to have marginate and glochidiate nutlets, with glochids externally provided with complex spiny tubercles and bearing at least four hooks at the tip as well as epizoochory dispersal mode. These ancestral states have been retained in Clade II (East Asian-Australian-African Cynoglossum-Lindelofia clade) and Clade III (Mediterranean-Asian Cynoglossum-Solenanthus-Trachelanthus clade), with several independent shifts to emarginate fruits. Transitions from marginate to wide-winged nutlets have occurred at least four independent times, facilitating wind-assisted dispersal in Clade I (Microparacaryum clade), Clade IV (Paracaryum-Mattiastrum-Rindera clade), Rindera tetraspis, and Mattiastrum crista-galli (both belonging to Clade III), where a transition from tuberculate to papillate surface has also occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild dioecious plant Corema album, endemic to the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, has potential to become a new crop and to integrate the berry fruit market. Due to its potential, the aim of this study was to propose a BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical Industry) scale for the species. Based on field observation, the principal growth stages were described and sequentially established. Photographs and stereomicroscope acquisition software were used to illustrate the phenological stages of male and female plants. The scale includes seven principal stages starting with bud development (stage 0), followed by leaf development (Stage 1), main stem elongation (Stage 3), inflorescence emergence (Stage 5), flowering (Stage 6), fruit development (Stage 7) and ending with fruit maturation (stage 8), with mesostages for male and female inflorescence (stage 5) and flower development (stage 6). Through field observations carried out in plants in different growth conditions, the proposition of this extended BBCH scale was made, to have a standardized system for Corema album phenological stages. This study will have an application especially in fields of agronomy and plant breeding and will also be a stepping stone for the inclusion of this species as a novelty crop in a nearby future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate climatic change adaptation, landscape and conservation managers require understanding of spatio-temporal patterns of expansion of potential dominant species. Studying past expansions of canopy-dominant trees can contribute such understanding. Test hypotheses about expansions of dominants using as a model the mid-Holocene expansion of forests dominated by Pinus sylvestris in the Scottish Highlands. Pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating of Holocene sediments of a larger basin and several small hollows were performed in three landscapes along a north–south transect. A larger basin records expansion timing at landscape scale, whilst small hollows evidence within-landscape spatio-temporal patterns. Vegetation existing prior to the expansion of pinewoods influenced landscape-scale spatio-temporal expansion patterns of P. sylvestris. Open vegetation generally was invaded earlier and/or to a greater extent; invasion was often later, or did not occur, where woodland with a substantial temperate broadleaved tree and shrub component (e.g. Corylus avellana, Quercus spp.) was present. Most small hollows, not just those where pinewoods became locally established, recorded vegetation change during the expansion. Some present landscape-scale forest composition patterns were established at that time. Studying past expansions of dominants provides evidence relevant to planning conservation and landscape management to facilitate ecological adaptation as species adjust their distributions and abundances in response to climatic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coryphodema tristis (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a native wood-boring moth with a broad host range on both native and non-native vegetation and is an important pest of commercial Eucalyptus nitens plantations in South Africa. Management of C. tristis is challenging since the larvae spend the majority of their lifecycle tunnelling within the wood of host trees. Following the development of a synthetic sex pheromone for C. tristis, pheromone-based mass trapping of male moths was investigated as a tool to control the pest. More than 5 000 pheromone-baited yellow bucket funnel traps with extensions were deployed in E. nitens stands in 2016 and 2017. Evaluation of the efficacy of the mass trapping programmes was done in 2017 and 2018 through the destructive felling of infested trees and comparison of the ratio of new to old C. tristis colonies in trapped and non-trapped compartments. The results show a significant decrease in the ratio of new to old colonies in trapped compartments compared to non-trapped compartments. This study shows that the large-scale trapping of C. tristis using a synthetic sex pheromone is a viable management strategy to control C. tristis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical profiles of essential oils hydrodistilled from whole plants of Senecio glaucus ssp. coronopifolius (Maire) Alexander and aerial parts of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris growing in Morocco were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analysis identified 84 compounds in the oil isolated from S. glaucus ssp. coronopifolius and 61 constituents in R. segetum oil. Both oils had a predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons. α-Pinene (26.2 %) was the main compound of S. glaucus ssp. coronopifolius oil, followed by myrcene (11.4 %) and p-cymene (9.9 %). Novelly (Z)-β-ocimene (19.7 %) dominated R. segetum oil, followed by β-phellandrene (9.6 %) and β-pinene (8.6 %). This is the first report of (Z)-β-ocimene-rich essential oil from R. segetum and α-pinene-rich essential oil from S. glaucus ssp. coronopifolius, revealing new chemical profiles for both species. The oils have potential in agroecological and pharmaceutical formulations, serving both economic and medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phacelia tanacetifolia is a widely used food plant in the beekeeping and conservation of pollinators. The present work is the first report for its value as bees and insectary plants in Saudi Arabia. Insect species visiting on flowers of P. tanacetifolia were identified and clustered as pollinators, pests and natural enemies. Out of 54 recorded insect species, 26 species were from Hymenoptera followed by Diptera (eight species), Lepidoptera (eight species), Coleoptera (six species), Hemiptera (five species) and Neuroptera (one species). Hymenopterous insect (bees, wasps, and ants) were the abundant flower visitors and out of them, bees were at the top with the highest recorded species (18). Apis mellifera and Apis florea were the most common honey bee species visiting on P. tanacetifolia, and exhibited daytimes and flowering season-dependent foraging activity (visits/m2). Apis species showed preferential high foraging visits for nectar than pollen collection. The major flower visitor was A. florea and the time spent by A. florea in the flower was significantly higher than A. mellifera. Insect-pollinated flowers of P. tanacetifolia presented significantly high-seed set percentage (62%) than non-insect-pollinated flowers (14%). Nectar secretion of P. tanacetifolia fluctuated significantly during daytimes and months with the highest amount during noon-afternoon and March. Blooming period (six weeks: fore-March to mid-April), seed harvesting (late-April), flower density (9069 flowers/m2/day), nectar productivity (4 g/m2/day) and honey potentiality (1791 kg/ha/season) of P. tanacetifolia was also monitored. P. tanacetifolia can be an ideal potential plant to support honey bees and other insect pollinators in the hot-dry ecosystem of central Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternary (last 2.6 million years) botany involves studying plant megafossils (e.g. tree stumps), macrofossils (e.g. seeds, leaves), and microfossils (e.g. pollen, spores) preserved in peat bogs and lake sediments. Although megafossils and macrofossils have been studied since the late eighteenth century, Quaternary botany today is largely dominated by pollen analysis. Quaternary pollen analysis is just over 100 years old. It started primarily as a geological tool for correlation, relative dating, and climate reconstruction. In 1950 a major advance occurred with the publication by Knut Fægri and Johs Iversen of their Text-book of Modern Pollen Analysis which provided the foundations for pollen analysis as a botanical and ecological tool for studying past dynamics of biota and biotic systems. The development of radiocarbon dating in the 1950s freed pollen analysis from being a tool for relative dating. As a result of these developments, pollen analysis became a valuable implement in long-term ecology and biogeography. Selected contributions that Quaternary botany has made to ecology and biogeography since 1950 are reviewed. They fall into four general parts: (1) ecological aspects of interglacial and glacial stages such as location and nature of glacial-stage tree refugia and long-term soil development in glaciated and unglaciated areas; (2) biotic responses to Quaternary environmental change (spreading, extinction, persistence, adaptation); (3) ecological topics such as potential niches, the nature of vegetation, and tree and forest dynamics; and (4) its application to ecological topics such as human impact in tropical systems, conservation in a changing world, island palaeoecology, plant–animal interactions, and biodiversity patterns in time. The future of Quaternary botany is briefly discussed and 10 suggestions are presented to help strengthen it and its links with ecology and biogeography. Quaternary botany has much to contribute to ecology and biogeography when used in conjunction with new approaches such as ancient-DNA, molecular biomarkers, and multi-proxy palaeoecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive alien species have transformed many natural ecosystems, especially on islands where endemic species are critically endangered, and where habitat restoration is a challenge. Aims: We set up an experimental protocol to aid the restoration of a native remnant forest by excluding feral ungulates and suppressing an invasive tree. Methods: Sixteen plots of 144 m2 were delimited in a dry-mesic forest located on the small oceanic island of Rapa Iti (South Pacific) and half of them were fenced. The invasive tree Psidium cattleianum was manually cut in four fenced and four unfenced plots. We monitored understorey species diversity and abundance every 6 months for a period of 30 months in twenty-four 4-m2 quadrats randomly selected in each plot. Results: A significant increase of native species richness occurred in the fenced plots where the invasive tree was suppressed, and a decrease of alien species diversity in the fenced plots. The abundance of native and alien species was significantly reduced in the fenced plots, where recruitment of endemic threatened species was observed. Conclusion: Rapid vegetation change occurred in 30 months. The understorey plant community response to ungulate exclusion and invasive tree removal strongly differed between native and alien species, with the recovery of native vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated inventory of the vascular flora alien to Italy, providing details on the occurrence at regional level, is presented. The checklist includes 1597 species, subspecies, and hybrids, distributed in 725 genera and 152 families; 2 taxa are lycophytes, 11 ferns and fern allies, 33 gymnosperms, and 1551 angiosperms. 157 taxa are archaeophytes and 1440 neophytes. The alien taxa currently established in Italy are 791 (570 naturalized and 221 invasive), while 705 taxa are casual aliens, 4 are not assessed, 7 are of unknown regional distribution, 47 have not been confirmed in recent times, 3 are considered extinct or possibly extinct in the country, and 40 are doubtfully occurring in Italy. This checklist allows to establish an up-to-date number (9792) of taxa constituting the whole (native and alien) Italian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are legal and moral imperatives to protect biological resources and the ‘traditional knowledge’ associated with them. These imperatives derive from complex legal geographies: international law (such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol), State and federal laws, Indigenous customary law, codes of ethics and research protocols. This paper reports on a ‘patent landscape’ analysis of patents that refer to Australian plant species for which there is Indigenous Australian knowledge. We have identified several patents of potential new biopiracy concern. The paper highlights the way in which actors can gain private property monopolies over biological resources and associated traditional knowledge, even though there are overlapping sovereign rights and Indigenous rights claims. Regulatory gaps need to be closed nationally to fully govern the diverse human–plant bio-geographies in Australia. Further, Indigenous laws and governance have largely been ignored by these actors. We suggest that the introduction of ‘disclosure of origin’ requirements in patent applications,sui generisIndigenous knowledge protections, the development of biocultural protocols, and a more nationally consistent system for ‘access and benefit-sharing’ are required to ensure more ‘fair and equitable’ use of plants and Indigenous knowledge in/from Australia, and to ensure the recognition of Indigenous rights to knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are of undoubted value, as they have been used for centuries to treat various diseases and health disorders in almost every part of the world. In several studies, the use of medicinal plants was found effective in treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The World Health Organization has been working for many years to identify all surviving medicinal plants on the earth. An important step has also been taken by the Natural Health Product Regulation of Canada for promotion and usages of natural products. At present, the rapidly growing population of the world is facing many challenges from various infectious diseases that are associated with hepatitis A, B and C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza virus, dengue virus and new emerging viruses. Hepatitis B virus causes a severe and frequently transmittable disease of the liver. Millions of people worldwide suffer from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The drugs available on the market for the treatment of hepatitis B are not sufficient and also cause side effects in patients suffering from HBV infection. The pharmaceutical companies are searching for suitable alternative and natural inhibitors of HBV. Therefore, it is important to explore and use plants as a source of new medicines to treat this infectious disease, because single plants contain a priceless pool of active ingredients which could help in the production of pharmaceutical-grade peptides or proteins. However, the knowledge of the antiviral activity of medicinal plants is still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Various studies have shown that the leaf extracts ofSpondias mombinLinn (Anacardiaceae) possess pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and antiviral effects. However, no biological activity from its essential oil has been reported in literature. Objective:To analyse the chemical constituents, cytotoxic activity and antioxidant capability of the essential oils from fresh and dried leaves ofS. mombin. Materials and methods:Hydrodistillation using Clevenger-type apparatus was employed to obtain the essential oil. Oil analysis was performed using an HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph coupled with an HP 5973 Mass Selective Detector. The cytotoxicity bioassay was carried out using the brine shrimp lethality test (10,000–0.01 μg/mL). Additionally, the reactive oxygen species scavenging potential of the twoS. mombinoils (1000–200 μg/mL) were investigated using a hydroxyl radical scavenging and ferric iron reducing system. Results:Chemical analysis of essential oils fromS. mombinrevealed the presence of 41 compounds, with predominance of monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and non-terpenoids derivatives. In both fractions, the principal component was β-caryophellene (27.9–30.9%), followed by γ-cadinene (9.7–12.3%). There was an increase in the oxygenated monoterpenoid contents and a concomitant decrease in the amounts of sesquiterpenoids hydrocarbons observed on drying the leaves. The oil obtained from the fresh leaves was more active than that obtained from dried leaves, with LC50values (from the brine shrimp lethality assay) of 0.01 and 4.78 μg/mL, respectively. The two oils (from fresh and dried leaves) at 1.0 mg/mL scavenged hydroxyl radical by 83% and 99.8%, respectively. Moreover, they reduced ferric ion significantly and compared favourably with vitamin C. Conclusions:Essential oil derived from the leaves ofS. mombincould hold promise for future application in the treatment of cancer-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-(2-Phenylethyl) chromone (PEC), an uncommon class of chromones, possesses a phenylethyl substituent at the C2 position. They have been isolated from a few plant species. They have promising biological activities such as neuro-protective, cytotoxic, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This review focuses on the naturally occurring PEC derivatives, their sources, physical and spectral data, as well as biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of thyme and oregano essential oils, thymol and carvacrol, as well as their possible synergism were investigated. For chemical profiling of essential oils, GC-MS analysis was performed. Antioxidant capacity was assessed throughout neutralisation of DPPH and OH radicals. For determination of antibacterial activity against selected gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureusandBacillus cereus) and gram-negative bacteria (SalmonellaInfantis,Escherichia coliO157:H7) broth micro-dilution method was used. Finally, the combination testing for potential synergy of thyme and oregano essential oils, thymol and carvacrol was performed using checkerboard method and evaluated with fractional inhibitory concentration. Thymol and carvacrol were found to be dominant components of investigated essential oils. All studied samples expressed strong antioxidant and antibacterial potential. In synergy testing, both combinations (thyme/oregano essential oils and thymol/carvacrol) were found to have additive effect (FIC=0.75). These results confirm thyme and oregano essential oils, thymol and carvacrol as well as their combinations for possible application as natural additives in different products (food, cosmetics and nutriceuticals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the morphology (botanical description) of two species of broomrapes (Orobanchespp.,Phelipanchespp.) ofLens culinalisandCarduus marianusparasitism byPhelipanche nana(Reut.) Sojak andP. aegyptiaca(Pers.). ConcerningP. nana,it is estimated that more than 150 ha of lentils were parasitised in the investigated area. These species are reported for the first time on lentil fields andC. marianuson the road sides in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and the bioactivity of the essential oil of Artemisia anomala, a traditional medicinal herb in China, were investigated. The composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectometry (GC–MS), and a total of 39 components representing 98.1% in this plant were identified. The main constituents were camphor (18.3%), 1, 8-cineole (17.3%), β-caryophyllene oxide (12.7%), and borneol (9.5%). The antimicrobial activities of the oil were separately evaluated against six micro-organisms, Bacillus cereus (CMCCB 63301), Micrococcus flavus (ATCC 14698), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), and a clinical-isolated strain Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the oil possessed inhibitory activity against B. cereus, M. flavus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus, among which the best inhibition was observed against B. cereus with a MIC of 0.313 μL/mL. The antiproliferative activities of the oil were assessed against four human tumor cell lines, A459 (human lung adenocarcinoma), BRO (human melanoma), MCF7 (human breast cancer), and PC3 (human prostate). The oil showed the ability to inhibit proliferation of human cancer cells. And the MCF7 cell line was the most sensitive to the oil with an IC50 of 0.09. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils from the leaves and fruits of Litsea cubeba Pers. collected in the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states in north-east India, were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). On the whole, 117 components have been characterized. The two leaf oils (LC1, LC2) show sabinene as the main component; the other significant compounds for LC1 oil are α-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol and myrcene, whereas for LC2 1,8-cineole and α-pinene are the other most important compounds. The three fruit oils (LC3, LC4 and LC5) were characterized by different profiles, indeed LC3 and LC4 showed a similar composition with citronellol and citronellal the main components, accounting for 70% and 10% of total oils, respectively. LC5, instead, presents geranial (c. 44%) and neral (c. 40%) as the main components, whereas citronellal reaches only c. 3%. Essential oils were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. All microbial strains appeared sensitive to the cytotoxic activity of the essential oils under investigation. Leaf and fruit oils showed different levels of inhibition depending on their particular chemical composition; however, the LC5 sample was broadly the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) eats a wide range of seeds and other plant material but little is known of the seeds eaten and dispersed in arid Australia. This study aimed to determine the species of seed and fruits eaten by Emus through the year and investigate the effect of the passage of seeds through the Emu gut on seed germination. Emu scats were opportunistically collected in all seasons of 2005 at Nanya Research Station, western New South Wales. Seeds of 29 plant species were retrieved, identified and counted from 221 scats. Seeds of perennial species, such as Belah (Casuarina pauper), Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa), Common Emu-bush (Eremophila glabra) and Nitre-bush (Nitraria billardierei), predominated. Seed composition of scats was more diverse in summer than in winter, autumn and spring. Seeds of Common Emu-bush, Berrigan (Eremophila longifolia) and Sweet Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) showed no germination after passage through the gut. Ruby Saltbush and Nitre-bush showed very low germination rates. The Emu is a generalist feeder, capable of ingesting and dispersing large numbers of plant species. Through high seed consumption and long gut-retention time, Emus could potentially play a significant role in long-distance dispersal of seeds and, through such dispersal, in the vegetation dynamics of arid Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dorsiventral, amphistomatic, hairy leaf ofPelargonium odoratissimumwas lacking the variety of the anatomical features considered advantages for the Mediterranean plant life compared to the leaf of most Mediterranean xerophytes. Conversely, it had a well-equipped and intensely functioning secretory apparatus. Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to investigate the leaf structure while histochemical reactions traced the nature of the secreted metabolites. The numerous trichomes of the leaf were very active in producing phenolics, terpenes, and flavonoids mixed in a fragrant essential oil accumulated in an ovoid chamber at the top of each secreting hair. In-vitro cell cultures may be used for the production of novel compounds from low-cost precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cape Wagtails Motacilla capensis have been identified as a species susceptible to infection by the mite Knemidokoptes jamaicensis, but the processes influencing infection rates and prevalence have not been studied. We assessed the mite infection level of 117 Cape Wagtails captured during the 2005 breeding season on Dassen Island, South Africa, analysed mite infection as functions of morphometrics and fat, and compared prevalence to other sites. Knemidokoptic mite infection was found in 42% of wagtails, which was more than double the prevalences reported for conspecifics on the mainland, and high compared to other host species. Mite infection of birds captured on the island was explored graphically against the morphometrics of individuals using cubic splines. Formal statistics were then applied using generalised linear mixed models, with observation and unique ring number as random effects within a two-level hierarchical mixed binomial model, and the fixed explanatory morphometric data being natural log-transformed. Morphometric data supported the idea that larger individuals were more likely to exhibit signs of mite infection. Possible contributing factors to this high percentage of mite-infected wagtails are discussed, with one possibility being that the low levels of predation on the island allow larger individuals to carry the cost of mite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassington Formation of Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the southern Pennine hills of central England is a succession of sands, gravels and clays preserved within karstic cavities in Carboniferous Limestone. Varicoloured clays and a thin lignite within the uppermost unit (the Kenslow Member) at Kenslow Top Pit near Friden, Derbyshire has yielded abundant pollen, spores and plant remains. The palynoflora was previously assigned to the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene. The Brassington Formation is reinterpreted here as being Tortonian (Late Miocene) in age based onthe presence of the key pollen taxa Symplocosroman Tricolpopollenites liblarensis and Tricolpopollenites microhenrici. The Tortonian age of the Brassington Formation means that it is the most extensive well-dated onshore Miocene unit in the UK. This refined age assessment also indicates that the rate of continuous uplift of the southern Pennines during Alpine mountain building was 0.03–0.06 mm a–1; this is significantly lower than has been recently suggested. Using the coexistence approach on the Kenslow Member palynofloras, a median value for the mean annual temperature is about 16°C. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A study on the type and distribution of trichomes, morphological traits of the calyx and content of antioxidant compounds was conducted on Teucrium arduini L. populations in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Non-glandular trichomes, peltate trichomes and small capitate trichomes with four secretory head cells were observed on leaves, stems and calyx, whereas long capitate trichomes with a unicellular head cell were observed exclusively on the calyx. Average calyx length was 5.23–6.51 mm, calyx tube length 2.92–3.68 mm, lower lip length 1.25–2.42 mm and upper lip length 1.89–2.99 mm. The concentration of antioxidant compounds in all populations was the highest in leaves: total polyphenols (TP): 8.43–13.55%; tannins (T): 1.79–7.33%; flavonoids (TF): 0.28–0.40%; phenolic acids (TPA): 2.90–5.07%. Inflorescences generally contained the smallest amount of TP (5.89–11.42%), T (0.87–6.50%) and TPA (1.66–2.27%), while the smallest content of TF was obtained for the majority of stem samples (0.06–0.12%). The researched populations did not differ with regard to the type and overall distribution of the trichomes, though the Bosnian populations have a shorter calyx tube and longer upper lip. Some variability was observed in the TP and T content between sampling sites, while quite high variability was noted in the TF and TPA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: This study is a continuation of our previous work in which a bioassay screening of 346 methanol extracts from 281 Egyptian plant species was carried out for in vitro schistosomicidal activity. Objective: Another 309 methanol extracts from 278 plant species were subjected to the bioassay screening using the same technique on viable Schistosoma mansoni Sambon (Schistosomatidae) mature worms in specialized culture medium (Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium 1640) in a trial to discover a source for a schistosomiasis drug from Egyptian flora. Material and methods: The methanol plant extracts were tested in vitro against viable S. mansoni mature worms in culture medium. Viability of worms was examined after exposure to 100 μg/ml of the extract in the medium for 24 h. Negative (dimethyl sulfoxide) and positive (praziquantel) controls were simultaneously used. Extracts showing schistosomicidal activity were further subjected to determination of their (Lethal concentration) LC50 and LC90 values. Results: Confirmed in vitro antischistosomal activity was found in 42 extracts. Of these, 14 plant species possessed considerably high antischistosomal activity (LC50 ≤ 15 µg/ml), viz. Callistemon viminalis (Soland. Ex Gaertn) Cheel, C. rigidus R.Br., C. speciosus (Sims.) DC , C. citrinus Stapf , Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, E. rostrata Dehnh., Eugenia edulis Vell , E. javanica Lam syn. Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merril , Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) L. , M. stypheloides Sm. (all belong to Myrtaceae) , Cryptostegia grandiflora R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) , Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl (Cruciferae), Ficus trijuja L. (Moraceae) and Fagonia mollis Delile (Zygophylacae). Discussion and conclusion: These species may represent additional natural sources of bioactive material that deserve further investigation for drug discovery against schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insular ecosystems can be dramatically affected by alien species, and records of pre-eradication status are essential to evaluate the effects of eradicating alien species. Nishi-jima Island is a small island of the Ogasawara group on which the first program of complete eradication of alien herbivorous mammals (black rats and feral goats) will be conducted. After eradication, the government plans to conduct ecosystem restoration on the island. This paper reports the angiosperm flora and vegetation of Nishi-jima Island before eradication of the rats and goats, with the objective of aiding ecosystem management after the eradication. Our surveys indicate that vegetation cover by the alien tree, Casuarina equisetifolia has expanded compared with its distribution in a 1974 aerial photograph of the island. The predominant vegetation in 2006 was C. equisetifolia forests and Zoysia tenuifolia grasslands, with fragmented native tree vegetation. The flora of the island comprised 69 angiosperm species (50 indigenous species) of which 30% were endemic, far less than for the Ogasawara Islands as a whole (45%). However, several populations of endangered plants remain. To restore the native ecosystem on Nishi-jima, eradication of C. equisetifolia is important in addition to eradication of alien herbivorous mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen analysts often study pollen grains that cannot be easily attributed to a particular taxon. As a consequence, a pollen type may be recorded under various names, leading to uncertainty in their interpretation by others. This limits the usefulness of pollen data for inclusion in databases or meta-analyses. To minimize any such ambiguity, we briefly describe the pollen grains of New Zealand gymnosperms and angiosperms and assign an appropriate name to each. Tree ferns are also included, as they are almost ubiquitous in New Zealand palynomorph records, and are often misidentified and misrepresented. We also provide a review of the occurrence of all taxa in New Zealand pollen records, and of pollination modes, pollen production and dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acteoside is one kind of phenylethanoid glycoside, which has shown a lot of biological activities. This article reviewed the study progress of acteoside, such as distribution, preparation, identification, and bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imagery of meandering river-like channel features up to 5 m deep and 100 m wide on the floor of Port Phillip Bay have been revealed by recent multibeam surveys. They are in water depths to -22 m below the present bay water level. This young channelling overlies older infilled Pleistocene-early Holocene channels considered to be cut by the Yarra and Werribee rivers during the last glacial or previous low stand minima >10 000 cal. yr BP and infilled during the Holocene transgression. Vibrocoring data indicate the young channels incise shelly mud. Twelve 14C shell dates in vibrocores from bay floor to 3.5 m are in two units-a lower unit range between 2880 cal. yr BP at 0.7 m to 9491 cal. yr BP at 3.5 m, and an upper unit ∼0.5 to 0.7 m thick <869 cal. yr BP forming the present bay floor. Seismic and vibrocore evidence suggests the post-869 cal. yr BP upper unit also covers the base of the young channels. This evidence implies that Port Phillip dried out to -22 m between ∼2800 and ∼1000 cal. yr BP at a time of stable present day sea-levels. The most likely cause is a sand blockage to the Port Phillip Bay channel entrances, coupled with high evaporation rates. Palynological and foraminiferal evidence suggests variable salinities occurred immediately prior to the sedimentary hiatus, with restoration of marine conditions after. The results have wide implications on Port Phillip's water balance, salinity, pre-European climatic events and Aboriginal occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships of 35 taxa endemic to the Chatham Islands and their close relatives were investigated using DNA sequence data. This study implies that the closest relatives of many of the endemic species are widespread and common species that occur on either of the main New Zealand islands. Hypotheses that the majority of the Chatham Island endemic plants have their closest relatives in northern North Island or southern South Island are not supported. The closest relative for the monotypic Myosotidium hortensium occurs in the Mediterranean, indicating successful long-distance transoceanic dispersal. Patterns of dispersal and estimates of divergence times were determined, and we relate these data to hypotheses of the islands' late-Cenozoic geological history. The Chatham Island endemic taxa differ from their closest relatives by between 0.0 and 6.4% sequence divergence (mostly < 1.5%). Divergence time estimates determined for 19 taxa using molecular clock analyses identified a large group of taxa whose divergence times were < 2.4 Myr, and four species with divergence times > 3.54 Myr. Divergence time estimates for Chatham Island endemic plants are congruent with two late-Cenozoic geological events. First, the emergence of land 6.0 Myr following eruption of the Mangere Volcano, and second, uplift of the submerged Southern Volcanics, Mangere Volcano and Rangitihi Volcanics between 3.0 and 2.0 Myr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants species have been shown to improve the performance of stormwater biofiltration systems, particularly in removal of N and P. Recent research has shown that plants vary in their contribution to pollutant removal, but little is known about the type of plant that is best suited to use in biofilters in terms of survival, growth rate, and performance. In this study, growth responses of 20 species to applications of semi-synthetic stormwater were measured, and the roles of key plant traits in removal of N, P, and several metals were investigated. There was no evidence of negative effects of stormwater application on plant growth, and plant traits, particularly root traits, were strongly correlated negatively with N and P concentrations of effluent stormwater. The most common and strong contributors to N and P removal appeared to be the length of the longest root, rooting depth, total root length, and root mass. The plants that made the strongest contribution to pollutant removal, e.g., Carex appressa, combined these traits with high growth rates. Investigation of other plant traits (e.g., physiology), causal mechanisms, and effects of more complex planting environments (e.g., species mixtures) should further guide the selection of plants to enhance performance of biofiltration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable research and development efforts, the problem of infections related to biomedical devices and implants persists. Bacteria evidently can readily colonize surfaces of synthetic materials, such as those used for the fabrication of catheters, hip and knee implants, and many other devices. As the growing colony encapsulates itself with a protective exocellular bacterial polysaccharide layer, the biofilm becomes much harder to combat than circulating bacteria. Thus, there is a strong need to mitigate bacterial colonization by equipping the surfaces of biomedical devices and implants with features such as surface chemistry and surface roughness that are unfavorable for bacterial attachment. Here we review a number of strategies used for the design of antibacterial coatings. We also discuss specific issues that arise from using various types of coatings. INSET: Key issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey study was conducted on man-made plantations located at two different areas in the arid region of Syria to determine the variations in natural abundances of the 15N and 13C isotopes in leaves of several woody legume and non-legume species, and to better understand the consequence of such variations on nitrogen fixation and carbon assimilation. In the first study area (non-saline soil), the δ15N values in four legume species (Acacia cyanophylla,-1.73 ‰ Acacia farnesiana,-0.55 ‰ Prosopis juliflora,-1.64 ‰; and Medicago arborea,+1.6 \textperthousand) and one actinorhizal plant (Elaeagnus angustifolia,-0.46 to-2.1 ‰) were found to be close to that of the atmospheric value pointing to a major contribution of N2 fixing in these species; whereas, δ15N values of the non-fixing plant species were highly positive. δ13C ‰; in leaves of the C3 plants were found to be affected by plant species, ranging from a minimum of-28.67 ‰; to a maximum of-23 ‰. However, they were relatively similar within each plant species although they were grown at different sites. In the second study area (salt affected soil), a higher carbon discrimination value (Δ13C ‰) was exhibited by P. juliflora, indicating that the latter is a salt tolerant species; however, its δ15N was highly positive (+7.03 ‰) suggesting a negligible contribution of the fixed N2. Hence, it was concluded that the enhancement of N2 fixation might be achieved by selection of salt-tolerant Rhizobium strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life history and host range of the herringbone leaf-mining fly Ophiomyia camarae, a potential biological control agent for Lantana spp., were investigated. Eggs were deposited singly on the underside of leaves. Although several eggs can be laid on a single leaf and a maximum of three individual mines were seen on a single leaf, only one pupa per leaf ever developed. The generation time (egg to adult) was about 38 days. Females (mean 14 days) lived longer than males (mean 9 days) and produced about 61 mines. Oviposition and larval development occurred on all five lantana phenotypes tested. Eleven plant species representing six families were tested to determine the host range. Oviposition and larval development occurred on only lantana and another nonnative plant Lippia alba (Verbenaceae), with both species supporting populations over several generations. A CLIMEX model showed that most of the coastal areas of eastern Australia south to 30°16' S (Coffs Harbour) would be suitable for O. camarae. O. camarae was approved for release in Australia in October 2007 and mines have been observed on plants at numerous field sites along the coast following releases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive shrubs are having important effects on forests in the United States. Over 100 species were found that have actual or potential effects on forest structure and function. The number of invasive shrub species in each state is correlated with both latitude and state population. The majority of these shrubs have attractive fruits that are widely distributed by birds and other animals. Their reproduction is also helped by evergreen or extended-deciduous leaf habits and by the ability to reproduce vegetatively in a majority of these invasive species. In addition to suppressing native tree reproduction, invasive shrubs have many other effects on forest function; however, information is not yet available in either of these categories for a substantial number of invasive shrubs. Because most of these species can resprout, physical control is of limited effectiveness, while herbicides are much more successful. Only limited research has been conducted on both fire and biological control. Despite these negative effects on forests, more than three quarters of these shrubs are still distributed in the United States, and many are unrecognized as invasive in many states. Substantial legislative, regulatory, and research efforts are therefore needed to limit the deleterious effects of invasive shrubs on U.S. forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Episodic high rainfall has been proposed as an important factor in perennial species recruitment but flooding based on rainfall at a distance from the site has received little attention. Although such flood events in arid Australia are rare, studies of the ephemeral Olary Creek indicate that occasional floods can also have a high impact on the vegetation and landscape. During February 1997, a high-rainfall event caused flooding in the Olary Creek. One branch of the creek created a terminal lake within mallee vegetation on Nagaela Station in far-western New South Wales. The flood path of Olary Creek and this terminal lake allow study of the importance of rainfall-driven flood events in shaping vegetation in arid environments. This paper reports (i) the response of arid land plant species to high-rainfall-driven episodic flood events and (ii) how grazing pressure from native and introduced herbivores can impact on native species response. A systematic study was conducted to understand the botanical composition in flooded and control areas based on 25 m 2 fenced and unfenced plots subjected to flooding and non-flooding. For 6 years following flooding, species richness in the flooded area was twice that of unflooded areas. In particular, 27 native species from 13 families were recorded both in the enclosed and open plots located in the flooded area. Over the study period nine species: Brachyscome ciliaris, Helichrysum leucopsidium, Vittadinia cuneata, Casuarina pauper, Maireana sedifolia, Salsola kali, Sclerolaena obliquicuspis, Eremophila sturtii and Eucalyptus foecunda germinated only in the flooded enclosed plots . Further, 11 exotic species from five families were recorded in the flooded (both enclosed and open) plots over the study period. Knowledge gained from this study will contribute to management strategies for arid land vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 129 species from the subtribe Flueggeinae of the tribe Phyllantheae (Euphorbiaceae, Phyllanthoideae) were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, and 10 species using transmission electron microscopy, in order to evaluate the relationships between the eight constituent genera: Breynia , Flueggea , Glochidion , Margaritaria , Phyllanthus , Reverchonia , Richeriella , and Sauropus . Of these genera, Flueggea , Margaritaria and Richeriella share pollen with a prolate spheroidal meridional outline and a 3-colporate aperture system. Pollen of Reverchonia is also 3-colporate, but differs from that of the Flueggea alliance by its clearly prolate shape, tilioid ornamentation and absence of costae endopori. Breynia and Sauropus have 4-12 and 3-16-colporate pollen, respectively, with diploporate colpi. Two pollen types are recognised in Breynia , and four in Sauropus , one of which supports the recognition of Sect. Hemisauropus . Glochidion pollen is 3-6-colporate, and similar to that of Breynia in having reticulate sculpture with Y-shaped sexine structures, but it has monoporate colpi. Of the genus Phyllanthus , only species with pollen with diploporate colpi have been studied. Seven types are described. Diploporate Phyllanthus pollen can be distinguished from that of Breynia and Sauropus by its distinct colpus margins consisting of parallel muri. Colpal irregularities and endoaperture configurations in the subtribe are discussed, and pollen morphological trends are hypothesised. Placed in the successiform aperture series, the Flueggea alliance and Reverchonia form a basal group. Glochidion is considered intermediate, giving rise to the Breynia-Sauropus group. The relationship with Phyllanthus remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life history and host specificity of Falconia intermedia in Australia were investigated. Adults and nymphs feed on the intercellular tissue on the underside of Lantana camara leaves. Eggs are deposited singly or in small clusters alongside veins and, on average, hatch in 12 days. Development to adult takes about 15 days and there are 5 instars. Females live for approximately 30 days and lay an average of 1.5 eggs/day. Oviposition occurred on all five L. camara phenotypes tested but subsequent development was significantly poorer on the pink-flowering phenotype. Forty-six plant species were tested to determine host specificity. The only species upon which adults fed and oviposited were L. camara and another introduced weed, Lippia alba. Both plant species supported populations of F. intermedia over several generations. F. intermedia did not display any predatory behaviour towards eggs, nymphs or larvae of either Aconophora compressa or Ectaga garcia, two other introduced biocontrol agents of L. camara. F. intermedia was approved for release in Australia in 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 23 species of thrips were recorded from flowers of 26 species of Australian subtropical rainforest trees, shrubs and vines (in 17 families) in the Manning Valley, coastal northern New South Wales. Pollination by thrips (thripophily) appears more widespread in rainforest communities than has been previously recognized. The pollination ecology of Wilkiea huegeliana (Monimiaceae) was studied in detail. Wilkiea huegeliana is a small, unisexual, annually flowering tree or shrub of rainforest and associated ecotones in eastern Australia, and is a larval food plant for the Regent Skipper butterfly Euschemon rafflesia rafflesia (Hesperiidae). At this latitude W. huegeliana is pollinated solely by a species of thrips, Thrips setipennis , but T. setipennis is not restricted to W. huegeliana and was recorded from flowers of 13 rainforest plant species. It appears to be the obligate pollinator also for Rapanea howittiana and R. variabilis (Myrsinaceae). Pollinator exclusion experiments were inconclusive but W. huegeliana may be facultatively agamospermous. The recruitment pathway to unrewarding female W. huegeliana flowers is uncertain but attraction may function by automimicry. Both male and female flowers serve as brood sites for T. setipennis larvae. Although the pollination ecology of W. huegeliana is specialized, the family Monimiaceae exhibits a broad diversity of pollination strategies. A number of these are discussed. The apparent obligate and restricted pollinator requirements of W. huegeliana may make it, and any associated phytophagous fauna, vulnerable to the impacts of habitat fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]